Patti Scialfa, 71, revealed in a documentary she has been suffering from multiple myeloma for the past six years.
Scialfa opened up about her diagnosis in the new documentary Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. She said that after being diagnosed in 2018, she cut back on her performances.
“This affects my immune system, so I have to be careful what I choose to do and where I choose to go,” she said in the documentary. “Every once in a while, I come to a show or two and I can sing a few songs on stage, and that’s been a treat. That’s the new normal for me right now, and I’m OK with that.”
A spokesperson for Scialfa said on Monday that no further information regarding her condition or whether she is currently being treated will be released.
Scialfa became a member of the E Street Band in 1984 and has been married to Springsteen since 1991. The couple share three children—Evan James, Jessica Rae and Sam Ryan—and have often performed together on stage. Springsteen inducted the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
The documentary is the first time Scialfa has addressed to the public about her diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells.
Multiple myeloma is when cancerous abnormal plasma cells build up in the bone marrow and form tumors in many bones of the body, according to the National Cancer Institute. This type of cancer can cause the blood to thicken and stop the bone marrow from making enough healthy blood cells, which helps fight off infections.
While on tour, Springsteen too has faced health problems after being diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease back in 2023 which led to his postponing some tour dates. Following those delays, Springsteen was under doctor’s orders to reschedule shows in Prague and Milan earlier this May due to vocal issues.
The documentary premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 8, showcasing behind-the-scenes footage of Springsteen and his bandmates rehearsing and performing for their 2023-2024 world tour. The film, directed by Thom Zimny, gives fans a glimpse into Springsteen’s creative process, special moments on tour, and conversations that follow Springsteen and the story he tells that underline themes of morality, community, life, and loss, according to Springsteen’s website.
Scialfa is set to release her new album this year, and Disney+ announced that the documentary will be released on Oct. 25 on their streaming platform.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.